US delivers security equipment to Tunisia under anti-terror programme

WASHINGTON –

Tunisia received a significant shipment of security equipment from the United States as part of bilateral cooperation in counter-terrorism, officials said, underscoring the ongoing strength of the countries’ security partnership.

The initiative aims to reinforce collaboration between the two countries in the security and military fields, a relationship that has remained resilient despite a political cooling following measures taken by Tunisian President Kais Saied on July 25, 2021.

The US embassy in Tunis said in a statement that, “Ambassador Bill Bazzi was honoured to attend the delivery ceremony recognising the United States’ transfer of $1.4 million in security equipment to Tunisia under the Anti-Terrorism Assistance Programme.”

“The enduring US-Tunisia security partnership strengthens the safety and security of both countries and advances regional stability.”

The embassy did not specify the exact nature of the equipment provided.

On December 3, Tunisian Defence Minister Khaled Sehili met Ambassador Bill Bazzi to discuss ways to expand military cooperation, diversify its areas and accelerate the implementation of existing agreements.

Souhaili emphasised the need to “implement the military cooperation roadmap between the two sides for the period 2020-2030, particularly regarding the development of the operational capabilities of the Tunisian army, strengthening its logistical capacities and providing advanced equipment suitable for addressing unconventional threats, such as transnational organised crime, irregular migration and terrorism.”

On November 13, General Dagvin Anderson, commander of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), reiterated Washington’s commitment to continue supporting the Tunisian Ministry of Defence in enhancing the army’s capabilities.

Since 2011, Tunisia has experienced sporadic terrorist attacks that killed dozens of security personnel, army members and foreign tourists. Groups such as Ansar al-Sharia, linked to al-Qaeda, and ISIS-affiliated Katibat al-Khilafa were implicated in the violence. However, such attacks have declined significantly in recent years.